Disposable drainage container

ABSTRACT

A disposable drainage container to be used in a medical procedure. One embodiment of the container comprises a sloped base and walls that are integrally formed with the sloped base. The container is adapted to collect fluids from the medical procedure and is made of a composition and shaped such that it is substantially rigid and such that it is not collapsible under weight of the fluid from the medical procedure. The container further comprises a drainage spout disposed within the sloped base that is configured such that it can be sealed to collect the fluid from the cystoscopy procedure and such that it can be unsealed to flush the fluid from the cystoscopy procedure. The composition is also disposable, is compatible with a surgical procedure environment, and provides substantial rigidity to the disposable drainage container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), ofthe filing date of U.S. provisional application serial No. 60/317,155entitled “Disposable Drainage Container,” filed Sep. 5, 2001, and U.S.provisional application serial No. 60/332,262 entitled “DisposableDrainage Container,” filed Nov. 21, 2001, which are incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of medicaldrainage containers and, more particularly, to the field of disposabledrainage containers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] Medical tables are often provided in doctor's offices orhospitals for patients requiring medical procedures or examination. Somemedical tables, such as those used for urological procedures, areequipped with a drainage pan to collect fluid or debris that may resultfrom a medical procedure. The drainage pan may be attached at a foot ofthe medical table, to be disposed between a patient on the table and adoctor performing the procedure. Typically, the drainage pan ismanufactured from stainless steel or another metal, and is designed forrepeated use. Thus, the drainage pan must be cleaned between patients orprocedures to ensure sterile conditions.

[0004] The task of cleaning the drainage pan after its use is timeconsuming for medical staff, and may nevertheless be insufficient toeliminate all microorganisms from the drainage pan. As a result, someattempts have been made to design disposable drainage containers that donot require the same degree of maintenance as non-disposable drainagepans. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,968, issued on Nov. 15, 1983 toAmin, discloses a medical drape secured to a foldable pocket forcollecting fluids resulting from a medical procedure. U.S. Pat. No.5,944,014, issued on Aug. 31, 1999 to Webb, discloses a disposablecollection tray to be used during vaginal deliveries in connection withan irrigation system to flush the surgical site. The collection tray ofWebb includes a living hinge that couples a planar portion of thecollection tray, positioned on the medical table, with a basin portionof the collection tray.

[0005] Notwithstanding the foregoing disposable drainage containers,existing disposable drainage containers are still insufficient forcertain applications. Accordingly, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a disposable drainage container for use in medicalprocedures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a disposabledrainage container to be used in a cystoscopy medical procedure. Thedisposable drainage container comprises a sloped base and walls that areintegrally formed with the sloped base to comprise the disposabledrainage container, that is adapted to collect fluids from thecystoscopy medical procedure and that is made of a composition andshaped so that it is substantially rigid such that the disposabledrainage container is not collapsible under weight of the fluid from thecystoscopy medical procedure. The disposable drainage container furthercomprises a drainage spout disposed within the sloped base that isconfigured so that it can be sealed so as to collect the fluid from thecystoscopy procedure and so that it can be unsealed to flush the fluidfrom the cystoscopy procedure. The disposable drainage container isformed from the composition that is disposable, that is compatible witha surgical procedure environment, and that provides substantial rigidityto the disposable drainage container.

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a disposablecontainer for collection of a fluid or debris resulting from a medicalprocedure. The disposable container comprises walls coupled to a slopedbase to form a substantially rectangular, rigid basin, the basin beingformed from a composition that is disposable. The disposable containerfurther comprises a spout disposed within the sloped base for passingthe fluid from the basin.

[0008] A further embodiment of the invention is directed to a disposablecontainer that is attachable to a frame of a medical table forcollection of a fluid or debris resulting from a medical procedure. Thedisposable container comprises walls coupled to a base to form asubstantially rectangular, rigid basin, the basin being formed from acomposition that is disposable. The disposable container furthercomprises at least one flange disposed around a periphery of the basin,the at least one flange being adapted to be compatible with and suspendthe basin from the frame of the medical table.

[0009] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method ofcollecting a fluid resulting from a medical procedure. The methodcomprises acts of coupling a container made of a composition and shapedto be disposable and substantially rigid to a medical table at an end ofa medical table, the container being provided with a sloped base, andcollecting fluid resulting from the medical procedure in the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are herein incorporated byreference, are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, eachidentical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in variousfigures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, notevery component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0011]FIG. 1A is a side view of one illustrative embodiment of adisposable container for receiving fluids or debris resulting from amedical procedure;

[0012]FIG. 1B is a top view of the disposable container of FIG. 1A;

[0013]FIG. 2A is a side view of the disposable container of FIGS. 1A and1B with a screen insert disposed therein;

[0014]FIG. 2B is a top view of the disposable container and screeninsert of FIG. 2A;

[0015]FIG. 3A is a side view of another illustrative embodiment of adisposable container having a sloped base;

[0016]FIG. 3B is a side view of the disposable container of FIG. 3A;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a side view of a further illustrative embodiment of adisposable container having a sloped base;

[0018]FIG. 5A is a fragmentary side view of another illustrativeembodiment of a disposable container having a plug disposed in thedrainage spout thereof;

[0019]FIG. 5B is a fragmentary side view of a further illustrativeembodiment of a disposable container having a valve in a closed positioncoupled to the drainage spout thereof;

[0020]FIG. 5C is a fragmentary side view of the disposable container ofFIG. 5B with the valve in an open position;

[0021]FIG. 6A is a fragmentary side view of a medical table attached viaa frame to the disposable container of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

[0022]FIG. 6B is a fragmentary top down view of the medical table anddisposable container of FIG. 6A;

[0023]FIG. 6C is a fragmentary side view of the medical table anddisposable container of FIGS. 6A and 6B with the container disposedpartially under a portion of the medical table;

[0024]FIG. 7A is a top down view of another illustrative embodiment ofdisposable container having projections for attachment to a medicaltable;

[0025]FIG. 7B is a fragmentary side view of a medical table attached tothe disposable container of FIG. 7A; and

[0026]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary top down view of the medical table anddisposable container of FIGS. 6A and 6B, and a medical drape on themedical table attached to the disposable container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The following description sets forth embodiments of a disposabledrainage container, at least a portion of which may be formed from acomposition. It is to be understood that the term “composition” as usedherein can be and is intended to include any homogeneous material, suchas plastic, as well as any heterogeneous materials. Further, it is to beunderstood that the term “disposable” as used herein refers to an itemwhich is to be discarded after use rather than cleaned and reused. It isto be appreciated that any invention disclosed herein is not limited tospecific embodiments disclosed herein with reference to the figures andshall be defined by the claims and any equivalent of each element of theclaims. It should also be appreciated that the figures provided are forillustrative purposes, and are not intended to be drawn to scale. It isalso to be appreciated that like elements may be disclosed in differentfigures and may not be described in detail with reference to eachfigure, and may also be illustrated by the same or different referencenumbers in different figures.

[0028] Applicants have appreciated a number of deficiencies of prior artdrainage containers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,968(Amin) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,014 (Webb) described above. For example,in some cases it may be desirable for a collection container to becapable of retaining fluids or debris for measurement or examinationpurposes. The foldable pocket disclosed in Amin is not suitable for thisapplication, as the pocket has no mechanism to inhibit the drainage offluids and has a collapsibility that results in the pocket having avariable volume. Similarly, the tray disclosed in Webb is not suitablefor the application described above, as the tray has no mechanism toinhibit the drainage of fluids. Further, the living hinge of thedisclosed tray would result in the basin of Webb having a variable anglewith respect to the floor, rendering visual measurement of fluid volumeunreliable. Other deficiencies of the above-described prior art, such asa lack horizontal mobility with respect to a medical table, will alsobecome clear as embodiments of the present invention are describedbelow.

[0029] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is directed to adrainage container to collect fluids or debris that result from amedical procedure. The drainage container may be attached to a medicaltable such that it is positioned between a patient on the medical tableand a doctor performing the medical procedure. For example, the drainagecontainer may be used in a urological or gynecological procedure andattached at the foot of the medical table, in close proximity to theurogenital region of the patient. The container may be used to collect anumber of different substances, including fluids originating from thepatient (e.g., blood or urine), fluids introduced into or on the patient(e.g., saline, dye, or disinfectant), or tissue or other materialsremoved from the patient.

[0030] Some exemplary procedures that may be beneficially performedusing the drainage container described herein are cystoscopy procedures,transurethral resections, ureteroscopy procedures, hysteroscopyprocedures, urodynamic monitoring, biopsies, and stent placements orremovals. The container may be used to confine fluids and debris thatmay otherwise soil the floor and surrounding areas, to collect specimensof tissue or fluid, or to monitor fluid loss. Although the containerdescribed may be adapted to be compatible with a number of differentmedical tables, in one embodiment of the invention the container iscompatible with a STERIS® Tri Layer Technology Table, having any ofmodel numbers 1080, 2080, 3080, or 3085. These tables are available fromthe STERIS Corporation, 5960 Heisley Road Mentor, Ohio 44060, USA.

[0031] One illustrative embodiment of a container 1 in accordance withthe present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The container 1includes walls 3 and a base 5, which together form a basin 7. A drainagehole 10 is formed within the base 5, which is coupled to a drainagespout 9. Tubing may be attached to the drainage spout 9 to allow fluidto pass from the container 1 into a storage receptacle, which may bestored locally (e.g., beneath the medical table) or remotely (e.g., in acentral area). Fluid and debris may be moved from the container 1 to thestorage receptacle by gravity or suction. The walls 3 are shaped to forma ledge 13, which may be used to suspend a screen insert, as will bediscussed in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B. A flange 11 is formed atthe top of the walls 3, around the periphery thereof. The flange 11 maybe used to suspend the container 1 from a frame of a medical table, aswill be discussed in connection with FIGS. 6A-6C.

[0032] The walls 3 may form a generally rectangular shape, as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the walls 3 of the container 1 may havedimensions of approximately 12.5 inches by approximately 10.5 inches.However, it is to be appreciated that the container 1 need not berectangular and may alternatively be circular, semi-circular, or anyother shape and may, for example, be provided with a concave curve on atleast one side of the container 1 to be disposed adjacent a doctorduring a medical procedure to allow more freedom of movement for thedoctor performing the procedure. In one example, the flange 11 may havea width of approximately 0.5 inch. However, it should be appreciatedthat the flange 11 is not limited to any particular width, and may haveany dimensions suitable for allowing the container 1 to be suspended,for example by a frame, a medical table or any device for holding thedrainage container, via the flange 11. The drainage hole 10 may be sizedaccording to the rate or flow of drainage of fluid that is desired. Itis to be appreciated that the size of the drainage hole 10 is notlimited to any particular size, and that drainage hole 10 may have anysize that permits the drainage of fluids from the container 1. Thedrainage spout 9, which may optionally be detachable from the container,may be sized to accommodate a variety of tube sizes. For example, thedrainage spout 9 may be tapered or may be notched (as will be discussedin connection with FIG. 5A) so that several different tube sizes may besecured to the drainage spout 9. However, the shape of the drainagespout 9 is not limited to a tapered or notched shape, and may have anyconfiguration that facilitates attachment of a drainage tube or otherdrainage equipment. It is further to be appreciated that the container 1may be shaped and formed of a composition such that it is substantiallyrigid, and not collapsible by the downward force of fluid or an inwardforce exerted by medical personnel leaning on the container 1. Further,the container 1 may be shaped and formed of a composition such thatnoise and splashing caused by fluids and debris entering the container 1is minimized.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the container 1 isdisposable, such that it may be disposed of after a single procedure orafter use with a single patient. According to one aspect of theinvention, the container 1 can be provided at a low cost, for example byforming the container from an inexpensive composition, such that it isinexpensive to manufacture, and such that it is inexpensive to store ortransport. One exemplary composition that may be used to form thecontainer 1 is a polymer, including, but not limited to, any ofpolyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride,polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. However, thecontainer 1 may alternatively be made from other fluid-impervioussynthetic or non-synthetic compositions, or any other compositionsuitable for use in a medical procedure. Further, the container 1 may beformed of a lightweight composition. It is also to be appreciated thatthe container 1 may be made from recycled compositions, such as thepolymers listed above, and/or may be itself recyclable.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the container 1 is molded, cast,extruded, or otherwise formed into a single, integral object.Alternatively, the container 1 may be formed from a composite ofindividual components, or made by any other manufacturing techniqueknown to one of skill in the art. The container 1 may be arranged suchthat it is stackable with other containers, for example by sizing thecontainer such that similarly sized containers fit within one another,or by providing the container with outwardly sloping walls as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0035] Because the container 1 is disposable according to one aspect ofthe invention, it may be desirable to provide or manufacture thecontainer 1 such that it is not harmful to the environment. For example,as described above, the container 1 may be made of a recyclablecomposition. The container may also or alternatively be made of abiodegradable composition, or a composition that is otherwise easilybroken down by mechanical energy, heat energy, or any other recyclingtechnique. The container 1 may also be made of a composition that isfree from toxic chemicals, environmental pollutants, or other harmfulmaterials.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, the container 1 isdesigned for use in a medical setting. For example, the container 1 maybe used in a doctor's office, hospital, veterinarian's office, or otherlocation of medical examination or procedures. Accordingly, it may bedesirable that the container be sterile, e.g., formed from a sterilematerial in a sterile environment or formed from a composition that issterilizable. For example, the container 1 may be formed from acomposition that can be sterilized or disinfected, through chemical,heat, or electromagnetic treatment, or any other treatment sufficient tosterilize or disinfect the container 1. The container 1 may also bearranged so as not to interfere with medical equipment and procedures.For example, the container 1 may be formed from a composition orotherwise arranged so as not to interfere with medical equipment orradiation, such as X-rays used for imaging or medical lasers used fortreatment. The container 1 may also be made of a composition or arrangedso as to be chemically unreactive and free from hazardous materials soas not to be dangerous to patients or medical personnel. Hospital firecodes often require the use of non-flammable and heat resistantmaterials. Thus, the container 1 may also be constructed fromnon-flammable materials or compositions. For example, the container 1may be made of a composition that is latex-free so as to be compatiblewith a latex-free surgical environment.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.2A and 2B, the container 1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B may also comprise a screeninsert 15 to be disposed therein. The screen insert 15 includes a screenportion 17 and a border portion 19 disposed around the periphery of thescreen portion 17. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B,the screen insert 15 (illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2A) is suspended bythe ledge 13 in the walls 3 of the container 1. However, the screeninsert 15 may alternatively be suspended by the flange 11 of thecontainer 1, for example by an additional flange (not shown) located onthe screen insert 15 itself. It should be appreciated that the screeninsert 15 need not include border portion 19, and may have manyalternative implementations for suspending the screen on or within thecontainer that have not been described above. The screen portion 17 maycomprise a mesh, a perforated surface, or another discontinuousstructure. It should also be appreciated that the present invention maybe employed with numerous types of screens, and is not limited to usewith the exemplary structures disclosed herein. According to one aspectof this embodiment, one or more tabs, such as the tab 21 of FIGS. 2A and2B, may be disposed on the border portion 19 to facilitate placement orremoval of the screen insert 15 in the container 1. It should beappreciated that the one or more tabs 21 may be alternatively bedisposed elsewhere on the screen insert 15, for example on the screenportion 17 itself. Further, it is to be appreciated that another devicefor facilitating placement or removal of the screen insert 15 mayalternatively be employed, such as a hole, cut-out, recess, or handleformed in the screen portion 17 or on the border portion 19.

[0038] The screen insert 15 may be used to filter debris 23, for exampletissue samples, tumor material, or calculi, from fluid resulting from amedical procedure. The screen insert 15 may also be used to hold one ormore instruments 25, such as a scalpel, cystoscope, speculum, orforceps, which may be used during the medical procedure. In particular,the instruments may be placed on the screen portion 17 of the screeninsert 15. Thus, the instruments may be retained in a locationaccessible to the doctor performing the procedure, while beingmaintained above the fluid in the container 1. The screen insert 15 mayalso be used to conceal fluid, which passes therethrough, from doctorand patient view. Further, the screen insert 15 may prevent or reducesplashing of fluid in the container above the level of the screen insert15. A number of alternative configurations for filtering debris fromfluid, allowing fluid to pass while concealing the fluid from view orfrom splashing out of the container, or retaining instruments above afluid level, may also be readily appreciated and are intended to bewithin the scope of this disclosure.

[0039]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of the container 1in accordance with the present invention. The container 1 is configuredas shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but includes a base 27 that is sloped. Thebase 27 includes two planar surfaces that are coupled to the walls 3 andjoin along a junction 31, which extends along a length of the container1 at substantially its midline. The junction 31 represents asubstantially deepest portion of the container. Hence, fluid collectedin the container 1 flows to the junction 31. The drainage spout 9 isdisposed at one end of the container 1 at the junction 31 of thecontainer to allow fluid to flow easily towards the drainage spout 9 anddrain from the container 1. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B,the drainage spout 9 is disposed at an end 29 of the container, althoughthe drainage spout may alternatively be disposed in the center orelsewhere on the base 27, such as at a deepest depth of the sloped baseof the container 1.

[0040]FIG. 4 illustrates another configuration of the container 1 havinga sloped base. In this embodiment, a base 33 of the container includes asloped planar surface that slopes downward towards the drainage spout 9.Hence, the base 33 forms an obtuse angle with the wall 3 on the upperportion of the base 3 and an acute angle with the wall 3 on the lowerportion of the base 3. The base 33 may have a steep or gradual slope. Itshould be appreciated that the sloped base shown in FIG. 4 is forillustrative purposes and is not intended to be drawn to scale. In oneexample, the base 33 has a graded depth of approximately 4-5 inches.FIGS. 3A-3B and 4 illustrate two possible configurations of a container1 having a sloped base; however, it should be appreciated that otherconfigurations, such as a base with three or more surfaces, mayalternatively be used.

[0041] A further illustrative embodiment of the container 1 inaccordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C.According to the embodiment, the container 1 may be configured toprevent the drainage of collected fluid or debris and allow forvisualization or measurement of the collected fluid. FIG. 5A illustratesthe container 1 of FIGS. 1A-1B having a plug 35 disposed in the drainagespout 9. The plug 35 may be positioned manually in the drainage spout 9via a tab 36 coupled to the plug 35. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A,the plug 35 is inserted from the upper portion of the drainage spout 9.However, it is to be appreciated that the plug 35 may be sized andshaped so that it alternatively can be placed into the drainage spout 9from the underside of the container 1. In addition, the plug 35 may beconfigured to have a mating shape that mates with the drainage spout 9to seal the drainage spout. The plug 35 seals the drainage spout toprevent fluid from draining from the basin 7. With the plug 35 removedfrom the drainage spout 9, tubing 39 can be coupled to the drainagespout 9 to drain the fluid from the container 1. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5A, the spout 9 includes notches 38 and is taperedso as to accommodate several different tube sizes. However, it should beappreciated that the spout 9 may alternatively have a uniformcircumference, be tapered without notches, or have any other shape thataccommodates tubing 39. The plug 35 may be disposable or reusable, andmay be formed of any material that will form a substantially fluid-tightseal with the drainage spout 9.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, the container 1 maybe transparent or translucent, such that the contents of the container 1and/or a fluid level 37 may be visualized through the walls 3. It is tobe appreciated that the container 1 may alternatively be semitransparentor semi-translucent. For example, the container may be made of acomposition that is semi-transparent or semi-translucent, or only aportion of the container 1 may be transparent or translucent, or thecontainer 1 may have any alternative configuration to allow for thevisualization of the fluid level 37 or contents of the container 1.Further, measurement indicia 41 may be provided on the walls 3 to allowmeasurement of the fluid level 37. In one example, the measurementindicia 41 may comprise a plurality of demarcations (e.g., lines and/ornumbers) specifying a plurality of volumes. It is to be appreciated thatthe measurement indicia may also be provided on walls of a containerthat are not transparent or translucent, or semi-transparent ortranslucent. It is also to be appreciated that the measurement indicia41 may be provided on the interior surface of at least one wall 3 or maybe provided on an exterior surface of at least one wall.

[0043]FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate another embodiment of the invention,according to which the drainage of fluid or debris from the container 1may be accommodated and prevented. A valve 43 is coupled to the drainagespout 9, to allow controlled sealing or unsealing of the drainage spout9. The valve includes a handle 47 that is coupled to a shaft 46 of thevalve 43 to control a disk 45 within the drainage spout 9. The disk 45may be positioned in a horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 5B to sealthe drainage spout 9. To unseal the drainage spout 9, the handle 47 maybe turned to rotate the shaft 46 and the disk 45 to a vertical position,as shown in FIG. 5C. When the drainage spout 9 is unsealed, fluid may bereleased from the container 1 in direction 49 through the tubing 39coupled to the drainage spout 9. It is to be appreciated that the valvedescribed above is a basic mechanical disk valve, but that many othertypes of valves would be suitable for controlling the flow of fluid andmay alternatively be used.

[0044] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an arrangementfor attaching the container 1 described above to a medical table. It isto be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to anyparticular arrangement for attaching the container to a medical table.However, one illustrative example of such an arrangement is shown inFIGS. 6A-6C. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, a medical table 51 includes asurface 53 to accommodate a patient. The medical table 51 may be anytype of medical table (e.g., a urology table), may be adjustable and/orinclude stirrups or other additional features. A frame 55 is attachedthe medical table 51 and includes an opening 59 to receive the container1. The flange 11 of the container 1 rests on the frame 55, such that thebasin 7 of the container is suspended below the frame 55. The container1 may be shaped to fit existing frames of commercially available medicaltables. For example, the container 1 may be shaped to fit a frame of aSTERIS® Tri Layer Technology Table as discussed above, having dimensionsof approximately 12.5 inches by approximately 10.5 inches. The frame 55may be designed such that it is movable with respect to the table. Forexample, the frame 55 may be moved horizontally in direction 57, asshown in FIG. 6A, to conceal at least a portion of the container 1beneath the medical table 51. The frame 55 may also be moved in theopposite direction to be fully accessible. Further, as shown in FIG. 6C,a portion of the frame 55 may be slidably received within or below themedical table 51. Thus, the container 1 may be positioned in a locationconvenient for the doctor performing the procedure. For example, thecontainer 1 may be positioned partially under the medical table 51,wholly under the medical table 51, or be fully extended. When thecontainer 1 is in a desired position, the frame 55 may be optionallylocked in position by a device (not illustrated) to prevent unintendedmovement of the container 1.

[0045] FIGS. 7A-7B show another illustrative embodiment of anarrangement for attaching the container 1 to a medical table, such asthe medical table 51. As shown in FIG. 7A, the container 1 includes apair of rod-shaped projections 61 fixedly attached to the basin 7 of thecontainer 1. The projections may be integrally formed with the basin 7,or may be attached to the basin 7 after manufacture. The prongs 61 maybe detachable, and may, if desired, be formed of a non-disposablematerial such that re-use is possible. Although two rod-shapedprojections 61 are illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and7B, it should be appreciated that any number of projections may beincluded, and the projections 61 may have any shape. For example, asingle planar projection may be used. As shown in FIG. 7B, at least aportion of the projections 61 may be slidably received within aperturesor slots formed in the medical table 51. The projections may be fixed tothe medical table 51, or may be movable within the medical table 51 suchthat the container 1 may be movable with respect to the medical table51. The container 1 may be optionally locked in position to preventunintended movement when a desired position is achieved.

[0046]FIG. 8 shows one illustrative embodiment of an arrangement forattaching a medical drape 63 to the container 1. The medical drape 63,to be disposed on the surface 53 of the medical table 51, may be placedover a patient on the medical table 51. The medical drape 63 may includean optional opening 65 to provide access to the examination or proceduresite. To prevent or minimize exposure of the medical table 51, the frame55, the doctor and/or hospital personnel to fluid and debris, the drape63 may be attached to a portion of the container 1. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 8, the drape 63 is attached to the container 1 by means ofan adhesive 67 disposed on the flange 11 of the container 1. Theadhesive 67 may be covered with a protective strip until the drape 63 isattached to the adhesive 67. It is to be appreciated that the adhesive67 need not be attached to the flange 11, and instead may be, forexample, included on the frame 55, the interior of the container 1, orthe drape 63 itself. Further the present invention contemplates a numberof alternative ways in which the drape 63 may engage with the container1 or frame 55. For example, velcro, snaps, or perforations thatmechanically hold the drape 63 may alternatively be used, and may belocated at any of the possible locations noted above for the adhesive67. The drape 63 may also cover the entire container 1. For example, theadhesive 67 or other engagement mechanism may be included on two orthree sides of the flange 11 such that the drape covers the entirecontainer 1.

[0047] Although the various features of container 1, such as the ledge13, the flange 11, the drainage spout 9, the screen insert 15, thesloped base 27 or 33, the plug 35, the valve 43, and the adhesive 67 areadvantageously employed together in accordance with several illustrativeembodiments of the invention, the present invention is not limited inthis respect, as each of these aspects of the present invention can alsobe employed separately. In addition, the invention is not limited to thecombinations described, as any combination of features may be employed.Further, each of the arrangements for attaching the container 1 to amedical table or moving the container 1 with respect to the medicaltable may be used with a container having any combination of thefeatures described herein.

[0048] Having thus described several illustrative embodiments of theinvention, various alterations, modifications and improvements willreadily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations,modifications and improvements are intended to be in the spirit andscope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by wayof example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention islimited only as defined in the following claims and the equivalencethereto. In the claims that follow, it should be appreciated that theuse of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereofherein is intended to be open-ended, i.e., to mean “including but notlimited to.”

1. A disposable drainage container to be used in a cystoscopy medicalprocedure, comprising: a sloped base; walls that are integrally formedwith the sloped base to comprise the disposable drainage container, thatis adapted to collect fluids from the cystoscopy medical procedure andthat is made of a composition and shaped such that it is substantiallyrigid and such that the disposable drainage container is not collapsibleunder weight of the fluid from the cystoscopy medical procedure; and adrainage spout disposed within the sloped base that is configured suchthat it can be sealed so as to collect the fluid from the cystoscopyprocedure and such that it can be unsealed to flush the fluid from thecystoscopy procedure; wherein the disposable drainage container isformed from the composition that is disposable, that is compatible witha surgical procedure environment, and that provides substantial rigidityto the disposable drainage container.
 2. The disposable drainagecontainer of claim 1, wherein the disposable drainage container issupplied for a single-use.
 3. The disposable drainage container of claim1, further comprising means for attaching the disposable drainagecontainer to a urology table.
 4. The disposable drainage container ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one projection adapted to fitwithin at least one slot of a urology table to suspend the disposabledrainage container from the urology table.
 5. The disposable drainagecontainer of claim 1, further comprising at least one flange adapted torest on a frame of a urology table to suspend the disposable drainagecontainer from the frame of the urology table.
 6. The disposabledrainage container of claim 5, wherein the at least one flange isdisposed around a perimeter of the disposable drainage container.
 7. Thedisposable drainage container of claim 1, in combination with a urologytable having a frame to suspend the disposable drainage container. 8.The disposable drainage container of claim 7 in combination with theurology table, wherein the urology table includes means for moving theframe relative to the table.
 9. The disposable drainage container ofclaim 7 in combination with the urology table, wherein the urology tableincludes means for retracting the frame at least partially beneath aportion of the table.
 10. The disposable drainage container of claim 1,further comprising a screen that is adapted to fit within the disposabledrainage container, to pass the fluids and to collect debris resultingfrom the cystoscopy procedure.
 11. The disposable drainage container ofclaim 10, wherein the disposable drainage further comprises a ledgeformed in the walls of the disposable drainage container, and whereinthe ledge is adapted to support the screen.
 12. The disposable drainagecontainer of claim 10, wherein the screen includes one or more tabs tofacilitate removal of the screen from the disposable drainage container.13. The disposable drainage container of claim 1, further comprisingmeans for attaching a surgical drape to the disposable drainagecontainer.
 14. The disposable drainage container of claim 1, furthercomprising an adhesive for attaching a surgical drape to the disposabledrainage container.
 15. The disposable drainage container of claim 1,wherein the sloped base forms an acute angle with a first wall and anobtuse angle with a second wall.
 16. The disposable drainage containerof claim 1, further comprising a plug adapted to mate with the drainagespout to seal the drainage spout.
 17. The disposable drainage containerof claim 1, further comprising a valve coupled to the drainage spout toseal and unseal the drainage spout.
 18. The disposable drainagecontainer of claim 1, wherein the disposable drainage container has adepth dimension formed by the walls and the sloped base, and wherein thedrainage spout is disposed within the sloped base at a portion of thedisposable drainage container having substantially a greatest depth. 19.The disposable drainage container of claim 18, wherein the drainagespout is disposed substantially at one end of the sloped base.
 20. Thedisposable drainage container of claim 18, wherein the drainage spout isdisposed substantially at the center of the sloped base.
 21. Thedisposable drainage container of claim 1, wherein the compositioncomprises a non-metallic material.
 22. The disposable drainage containerof claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a sterile material. 23.The disposable drainage container of claim 1, wherein the compositioncomprises a plastic.
 24. The disposable drainage container of claim 1,wherein the composition is latex-free.
 25. The disposable drainagecontainer of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a biodegradablematerial.
 26. The disposable drainage container of claim 1, wherein thecomposition comprises a heat resistant material.
 27. The disposabledrainage container of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises atransparent material.
 28. The disposable drainage container of claim 1,wherein the disposable drainage container includes measurement indicia.29. The disposable container of claim 1, wherein the disposable drainagecontainer has a cross-section having dimensions of approximately 12.5inches by approximately 10.5 inches.
 30. A method of using thedisposable drainage container of claim 1 in a medical procedure,comprising an act of: collecting the fluid from the cystoscopy procedurein the disposable drainage container.
 31. A disposable container forcollection of a fluid or debris resulting from a medical procedure,comprising: walls coupled to a sloped base to form a substantiallyrectangular, rigid basin, the basin being formed from a composition thatis disposable; and a spout disposed within the sloped base for passingthe fluid from the basin.
 32. The disposable drainage container of claim31, wherein the disposable container is supplied for a single-use. 33.The disposable container of claim 31, wherein the basin is formed fromthe composition and shaped such that it is substantiallynon-collapsible.
 34. The disposable container of claim 31, furthercomprising means for attaching the disposable container to a medicaltable.
 35. The disposable container of claim 31, further comprising: atleast one projection coupled to the walls of the basin, the projectionarranged to be compatible with and suspend the container from a medicaltable.
 36. The disposable container of claim 31, further comprising atleast one flange adapted to rest on a frame of a medical table tosuspend the disposable container from the frame of the medical table.37. The disposable container of claim 36, wherein the at least oneflange is disposed around a perimeter of the basin.
 38. The disposablecontainer of claim 31, in combination with a medical table, wherein themedical table comprises a frame to suspend the disposable container. 39.The disposable container of claim 38 in combination the medical table,wherein the medical table includes means for moving the frame relativeto the medical table.
 40. The disposable container of claim 39 incombination the medical table, wherein the medical table includes meansfor retracting the frame at least partially beneath a portion of themedical table.
 41. The disposable container of claim 31, furthercomprising a screen that is adapted to fit within the basin, to pass thefluids and to collect debris resulting from the medical procedure. 42.The disposable container of claim 41, wherein the disposable containerfurther comprises a ledge formed in the walls of the basin, and whereinthe ledge is adapted to support the screen.
 43. The disposable containerof claim 41, wherein the screen includes one or more tabs to facilitateremoval of the screen from the disposable container.
 44. The disposablecontainer of claim 31, further comprising means for attaching a surgicaldrape to the disposable container.
 45. The disposable container of claim31, further comprising an adhesive for attaching a surgical drape to thedisposable container.
 46. The disposable container of claim 31, whereinthe sloped base forms an acute angle with a first wall and an obtuseangle with a second wall.
 47. The disposable container of claim 31,wherein the container has a depth dimension formed by the walls and thesloped base, and wherein the spout is disposed within the sloped base ata portion of the basin having substantially a greatest depth.
 48. Thedisposable container of claim 47, wherein the spout is disposedsubstantially at one end of the sloped base.
 49. The disposablecontainer of claim 47, wherein the spout is disposed substantially atthe center of the sloped base.
 50. The disposable container of claim 31,further comprising a plug adapted to mate with the spout to preventpassing of fluids from the basin.
 51. The disposable container of claim31, further comprising a valve coupled to the spout to prevent passingof fluids from the basin.
 52. The disposable container of claim 31,wherein the composition comprises a non-metallic material.
 53. Thedisposable container of claim 31, wherein the composition comprises asterile material.
 54. The disposable container of claim 31, wherein thecomposition comprises a plastic.
 55. The disposable container of claim31, wherein the composition is latex-free.
 56. The disposable containerof claim 31, wherein the composition comprises a biodegradable material.57. The disposable container of claim 31, wherein the compositioncomprises a heat resistant material.
 58. The disposable container ofclaim 31, wherein the composition comprises a transparent material. 59.The disposable container of claim 31, wherein the basin includesmeasurement indicia.
 60. The disposable container of claim 31, whereinthe basin has a cross-section having dimensions of approximately 12.5inches by approximately 10.5 inches.
 61. A method of using thedisposable container of claim 31 in a medical procedure, comprising anact of: collecting the fluid or debris resulting from the medicalprocedure in the disposable container.
 62. A disposable container thatis attachable to a frame of a medical table for collection of a fluid ordebris resulting from a medical procedure, comprising: walls coupled toa base to form a substantially rectangular, rigid basin, the basin beingformed from a composition that is disposable; and at least one flangedisposed around a periphery of the basin, the at least one flange beingadapted to be compatible with and suspend the basin from the frame ofthe medical table.
 63. The disposable drainage container of claim 62,wherein the disposable container is supplied for a single-use.
 64. Thedisposable container of claim 62, wherein the basin is formed from thecomposition and shaped such that it is substantially non-collapsible.65. The disposable container of claim 62, in combination with themedical table comprising the frame.
 66. The disposable container ofclaim 62 in combination with the medical table, wherein the medicaltable includes means for moving the frame relative to the medical table.67. The disposable container of claim 66 in combination the medicaltable, wherein the medical table includes means for retracting the frameat least partially beneath a portion of the medical table.
 68. Thedisposable container of claim 62, further comprising a screen that isadapted to fit within the basin to pass the fluids and to collect debrisresulting from the medical procedure.
 69. The disposable container ofclaim 68, wherein the disposable container further comprises a ledgeformed in the walls of the basin, and wherein the ledge is adapted tosupport the screen.
 70. The disposable container of claim 68, whereinthe screen includes one or more tabs to facilitate removal of the screenfrom the disposable container.
 71. The disposable container of claim 62,further comprising means for attaching a surgical drape to thedisposable container.
 72. The disposable container of claim 62, furthercomprising an adhesive for attaching a surgical drape to the disposablecontainer.
 73. The disposable container of claim 62, wherein the baseforms an acute angle with a first wall and an obtuse angle with a secondwall.
 74. The disposable container of claim 62, further comprising aspout disposed within the base for passing fluids from the basin. 75.The disposable container of claim 74, further comprising a plug adaptedto mate with the spout to prevent passing of fluids from the basin. 76.The disposable container of claim 74, further comprising a valve coupledto the spout to prevent passing of fluids from the basin.
 77. Thedisposable container of claim 74, wherein the base is sloped to directthe fluid to the spout.
 78. The disposable container of claim 77,wherein the container has a depth dimension formed by the walls and thesloped base, and wherein the spout is disposed within the sloped base ata portion of the basin having substantially a greatest depth.
 79. Thedisposable container of claim 77, wherein the spout is disposedsubstantially at one end of the sloped base.
 80. The disposablecontainer of claim 77, wherein the spout is disposed substantially atthe center of the sloped base.
 81. The disposable container of claim 62,wherein the composition comprises a non-metallic material.
 82. Thedisposable container of claim 62, wherein the composition comprises asterile material.
 83. The disposable container of claim 62, wherein thecomposition comprises a plastic material.
 84. The disposable containerof claim 62, wherein the composition is latex-free.
 85. The disposablecontainer of claim 62, wherein the composition comprises a biodegradablematerial.
 86. The disposable container of claim 62, wherein thecomposition comprises a heat resistant material.
 87. The disposablecontainer of claim 62, wherein the composition comprises a transparentmaterial.
 88. The disposable container of claim 62, wherein the basinincludes measurement indicia.
 89. The disposable container of claim 62,wherein the basin has a cross-section having dimensions of approximately12.5 inches by approximately 10.5 inches.
 90. A method of using thedisposable container of claim 62 in a medical procedure, comprising anact of: collecting the fluid or debris resulting from the medicalprocedure in the disposable container.
 91. A method of collecting afluid resulting from a medical procedure, comprising acts of: providinga container, made of a composition and shaped to be disposable andsubstantially rigid, with a sloped base; coupling the container to amedical table; and collecting the fluid resulting from the medicalprocedure in the container.
 92. The method of claim 91, furthercomprising an act of moving the container to position the container withrespect to the medical table.
 93. The method of claim 92, wherein theact of moving the container includes retracting the container at leastpartially under the medical table.
 94. The method of claim 91, furthercomprising an act of disposing of the container.
 95. The method of claim91, wherein the act of coupling the container to the medical tableincludes supporting the container within a frame of the medical table.96. The method of claim 91, further comprising an act of passing thefluid from the container through a spout disposed within the slopedbase.
 97. The method of claim 91, further comprising an act of retainingmedical instruments in the container.
 98. The method of claim 91,further comprising an act providing a screen with the container tofilter debris from the fluid.